US20150121942A1 - Ice making system for a refrigerator appliance and a method for determining an ice level within an ice bucket - Google Patents
Ice making system for a refrigerator appliance and a method for determining an ice level within an ice bucket Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20150121942A1 US20150121942A1 US14/071,935 US201314071935A US2015121942A1 US 20150121942 A1 US20150121942 A1 US 20150121942A1 US 201314071935 A US201314071935 A US 201314071935A US 2015121942 A1 US2015121942 A1 US 2015121942A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- infrared light
- ice
- storage volume
- light emitter
- ice bucket
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
- F25C5/00—Working or handling ice
- F25C5/18—Storing ice
- F25C5/182—Ice bins therefor
- F25C5/187—Ice bins therefor with ice level sensing means
Definitions
- the present subject matter relates generally to ice buckets for refrigerator appliances and systems for determining or measuring an ice level within such ice buckets.
- Certain refrigerator appliances include an icemaker.
- the icemaker receives liquid water and freezes such liquid water to generate ice cubes.
- the ice cubes are generally directed to an ice bucket where the ice cubes are stored prior to consumption.
- the icemaker can initiate an ice making cycle to replenish a diminished ice cube supply.
- certain icemakers include a feeler arm that determines when an ice cube level in the ice bucket drops below a certain height. The icemaker initiates the ice making cycle when the ice cube level drops below the height.
- Feeler arms are generally positioned at a top portion of the ice bucket such that the feeler arm can rotate over the ice bucket and impact ice cubes when the ice bucket is full.
- Feeler arms can operate reliably to determine the ice level within the ice bucket.
- feeler arms can occupy a significant volume above the ice bucket and limit an ice storage capacity of the ice bucket.
- an ice making system with features for determining an ice level within an ice bucket of the ice making system while occupying a small volume of space would be useful.
- an ice making system with features for determining an ice level within an ice bucket of the ice making system while not significantly limiting a size of the ice bucket would be useful.
- the present subject matter provides an ice making system for a refrigerator appliance.
- the ice making system includes an ice maker, an ice bucket and an ice cube level sensing assembly.
- the ice cube level sensing assembly includes an infrared light emitter and an infrared light receiver.
- the infrared light emitter directs infrared light into a storage volume of the ice bucket
- the infrared light receiver receives infrared light from the infrared light emitter reflected by ice cubes within the storage volume of the ice bucket.
- an ice making system for a refrigerator appliance includes an ice maker configured for generating ice cubes.
- An ice bucket defines a storage volume. The storage volume of the ice bucket is positioned for receiving the ice cubes from the ice maker.
- An ice cube level sensing assembly includes an infrared light emitter and an infrared light receiver.
- the infrared light emitter is positioned adjacent the ice bucket.
- the infrared light emitter is positioned for directing infrared light into the storage volume of the ice bucket.
- the infrared light receiver is positioned adjacent the infrared light emitter.
- the infrared light receiver is positioned such that the infrared light receiver receives infrared light from the infrared light emitter reflected by the ice cubes in the storage volume of the ice bucket.
- an ice making system for a refrigerator appliance includes an ice maker configured for generating ice cubes and an ice bucket.
- the ice bucket defines a storage volume.
- the storage volume of the ice bucket is positioned for receiving the ice cubes from the ice maker.
- An ice cube level sensing assembly includes an infrared light emitter and an infrared light receiver.
- the infrared light emitter is positioned proximate the ice bucket.
- the infrared light emitter is oriented such that the infrared light emitter is configured for directing infrared light into the storage volume of the ice bucket.
- the infrared light receiver is positioned proximate the infrared light emitter.
- the infrared light receiver is oriented such that the infrared light receiver is configured for receiving infrared light from the infrared light emitter reflected by the ice cubes in the storage volume of the ice bucket.
- a method for determining an ice level within an ice bucket of a refrigerator appliance includes directing a ray of infrared light into a storage volume of the ice bucket and receiving a ray of reflected infrared light from the storage volume of the ice bucket if ice within the storage volume is positioned above a predetermined height in the storage volume.
- FIG. 1 provides a front, elevation view of a refrigerator appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter
- FIG. 2 provides a front, elevation view of the exemplary refrigerator appliance of FIG. 1 with doors of the exemplary refrigerator appliance shown in an open position to reveal fresh food chamber of the exemplary refrigerator appliance.
- FIGS. 3 , 4 , 5 and 6 provide schematic views of an ice making system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter with various amounts of ice positioned within an ice bucket of the exemplary ice making system.
- FIG. 7 provides a schematic view of an ice making system according to another exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.
- FIG. 8 illustrates a method for determining an ice level within an ice bucket of a refrigerator appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.
- FIG. 1 provides a front, elevation view of a refrigerator appliance 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.
- FIG. 2 provides a front, elevation view of refrigerator appliance 100 with refrigerator doors 126 and 128 of refrigerator appliance 100 shown in an open position to reveal a fresh food chamber 122 of refrigerator appliance 100 .
- Refrigerator appliance 100 defines a vertical direction V and a lateral direction L. The vertical direction V and lateral direction L are mutually perpendicular and form an orthogonal direction system.
- Refrigerator appliance 100 extends between an upper portion 101 and a lower portion 102 along the vertical direction V.
- Refrigerator appliance 100 also extends between a first side portion 105 and a second side portion 106 along the lateral direction L.
- Refrigerator appliance 100 includes a cabinet or housing 120 that defines chilled chambers for receipt of food items for storage.
- refrigerator appliance 100 defines fresh food chamber 122 at upper portion 101 of refrigerator appliance 100 and a freezer chamber 124 arranged below fresh food chamber 122 on the vertical direction V, e.g., at lower portion 102 of refrigerator appliance 100 .
- refrigerator appliance 100 is generally referred to as a bottom mount refrigerator appliance.
- present subject matter may be used with other types of refrigerator appliances (e.g., side-by-side style or top mount style) or a freezer appliance as well. Consequently, the description set forth herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the present subject matter to any particular chilled chamber arrangement or configuration.
- Refrigerator doors 126 and 128 are rotatably hinged to an edge of housing 120 for accessing fresh food compartment 122 .
- refrigerator doors 126 and 128 are rotatably mounted to housing 120 at an opening 121 that permits access to fresh food chamber 122 .
- a freezer door 130 is arranged below refrigerator doors 126 and 128 for accessing freezer chamber 124 .
- Freezer door 130 is coupled to a freezer drawer (not shown) slidably mounted within freezer chamber 124 .
- Refrigerator appliance 100 also includes a dispensing assembly 110 for dispensing liquid water and/or ice.
- Dispensing assembly 110 includes a dispenser 114 positioned on or mounted to an exterior portion of refrigerator appliance 100 , e.g., on refrigerator door 126 .
- Dispenser 114 includes a discharging outlet 134 for accessing ice and liquid water.
- An actuating mechanism 132 shown as a paddle, is mounted below discharging outlet 134 for operating dispenser 114 .
- any suitable actuating mechanism may be used to operate dispenser 114 .
- dispenser 114 can include a sensor (such as an ultrasonic sensor) or a button rather than the paddle.
- a user interface panel 136 is provided for controlling the mode of operation.
- user interface panel 136 can include user inputs, such as a water dispensing button (not labeled) and an ice-dispensing button (not labeled), for selecting a desired mode of operation such as crushed or non-crushed ice.
- user inputs such as a water dispensing button (not labeled) and an ice-dispensing button (not labeled) for selecting a desired mode of operation such as crushed or non-crushed ice.
- Discharging outlet 134 and actuating mechanism 132 are an external part of dispenser 114 and are mounted in a dispenser recess 138 .
- Dispenser recess 138 is positioned at a predetermined elevation convenient for a user to access ice or water and enabling the user to access ice without the need to bend-over and without the need to access freezer chamber 124 .
- dispenser recess 138 is positioned at a level that approximates the chest level of a user.
- Dispensing assembly 110 includes an insulated housing 142 mounted within fresh food chamber 122 . Due to the insulation which encloses insulated housing 142 , the temperature within insulated housing 142 can be maintained at levels different from the ambient temperature in the surrounding fresh food chamber 122 .
- Insulated housing 142 is constructed and arranged to operate at a temperature that facilitates producing and storing ice. More particularly, insulated housing 142 contains an ice maker for creating ice and feeding the same to an ice bucket 160 that is mounted on refrigerator door 126 . As illustrated in FIG. 2 , ice bucket 160 is placed at a vertical position on refrigerator door 126 that will allow for the receipt of ice from a discharge opening 162 located along a bottom edge 164 of insulated housing 142 . As refrigerator door 126 is closed or opened, ice bucket 160 is moved in and out of position under insulated housing 142 . In alternative exemplary embodiments, insulated housing 142 and the ice maker located therein can be mounted at any other suitable location in refrigerator appliance 100 , such as on refrigerator door 126 .
- FIGS. 3 , 4 , 5 and 6 provide schematic views of an ice making system 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter with various amounts of ice cubes 250 positioned within an ice bucket 210 of ice making system 200 .
- Ice making system 200 can be used with or in any suitable refrigerator appliance.
- ice making system 200 may be used in or with refrigerator appliance 100 ( FIG. 1 ).
- an ice cube level sensing assembly 230 of ice making system 200 is configured for determining or detecting a height or level of ice cubes 250 within ice bucket 210 . Knowledge of the height of ice cubes 250 within ice bucket 210 can assist with proper operation of an ice maker 220 of ice making system 200 .
- Ice making system 200 includes an ice bucket 210 and an ice maker 220 .
- Ice maker 220 is positioned above ice bucket 210 , e.g., along the vertical direction V. Ice maker 220 is configured or arranged for generating ice cubes 250 .
- ice maker 220 can receive liquid water, and such liquid water can freeze within ice maker 220 to generate or form ice cubes 250 .
- Ice bucket 210 defines a storage volume 212 .
- a bottom wall 214 and a sidewall 216 of ice bucket 210 can define storage volume 212 of ice bucket 210 such that ice cubes 250 are contained or supported within storage volume 212 by bottom wall 214 and sidewall 216 of ice bucket 210 .
- Storage volume 212 of ice bucket 210 is positioned for receiving ice cubes 250 from ice maker 220 .
- storage volume 212 of ice bucket 210 is positioned, e.g., directly, below ice maker 220 along the vertical direction V such that ice cubes 250 generated by ice maker 220 drop downwardly along the vertical direction V from ice maker 220 into storage volume 212 .
- ice cubes 250 can be directed into storage volume 212 of ice bucket 210 using any suitable method or mechanism, such as a conduit or auger.
- Storage volume 212 of ice bucket 210 extends between a top portion 260 and a bottom portion 262 , e.g., along the vertical direction V. Thus, top and bottom portions 260 and 262 of storage volume 212 are spaced apart from each other, e.g., along the vertical direction V. A middle portion 264 of storage volume 212 is positioned between top and bottom portions 260 and 262 of storage volume 212 , e.g., along the vertical direction V.
- Storage volume 212 also extends between a first side portion 266 and a second side portion 268 , e.g., along the lateral direction L. Thus, first and second side portions 266 and 268 of storage volume 212 are spaced apart from each other, e.g., along the lateral direction L.
- Ice cube level sensing assembly 230 is positioned at or adjacent top portion 260 of ice bucket 210 . Ice cube level sensing assembly 230 is also positioned at or adjacent second side portion 268 of ice bucket 210 . Ice cube level sensing assembly 230 includes at least one infrared light emitter 232 (e.g., a first infrared light emitter and a second infrared light emitter) and at least one infrared light receiver 234 (e.g., a first infrared light receiver and a second infrared light receiver). Infrared light emitter 232 can be any suitable infrared light source or emitter.
- infrared light emitter 232 can be any suitable infrared light source or emitter.
- infrared light emitter 232 may be an infrared light emitting diode.
- Infrared light receiver 234 can be any suitable infrared light detector or receiver.
- infrared light receiver 234 may be an infrared phototransistor.
- Infrared light emitter 232 and infrared light receiver 234 are positioned proximate or adjacent each other.
- infrared light emitter 232 and infrared light receiver 234 are both positioned at or adjacent top portion 260 and second side portion 268 of ice bucket 210 .
- Infrared light emitter 232 is positioned or oriented for directing infrared light into storage volume 212 of ice bucket 210 .
- infrared light emitter 232 e.g., selectively, directs rays of infrared light (shown with arrows labeled E1 and E2) into storage volume 212 of ice bin 210 .
- infrared light emitter 232 may be positioned or oriented for directing emitted infrared light rays E1 and E2 towards first side portion 266 of ice bucket 210 , e.g., from second side portion 268 of ice bucket 210 .
- Emitted infrared light rays E1 and E2 can assist with determining or detecting the level of ice cubes 250 in storage volume 212 of ice bucket 210 as discussed in greater detail below.
- Infrared light receiver 234 is positioned or oriented for receiving infrared light from storage volume 212 of ice bucket 210 .
- infrared light receiver 234 receives or detects rays of reflected infrared light (shown with arrows labeled R1 and R2) from storage volume 212 of ice bin 210 .
- infrared light receiver 234 is positioned or oriented such that infrared light receiver 234 receives or detects infrared light from infrared light emitter 232 reflected by ice cubes 250 in storage volume 212 of ice bucket 210 .
- Infrared light receiver 234 may be positioned or oriented for receiving or detecting reflected infrared light rays R1 and R2 at second side portion 268 of ice bucket 210 .
- ice cube level sensing assembly 230 directs first emitted infrared light ray E1 in a first direction and second emitted infrared light ray E2 in a second, different direction.
- ice cube level sensing assembly 230 may direct first emitted infrared light ray E1 towards top portion 260 of storage volume 212 and second emitted infrared light ray E2 towards middle portion 266 of bottom portion 264 of storage volume 212 .
- the first and second emitted infrared light rays E1 and E2 define an angle ⁇ therebetween.
- the angle ⁇ can be any suitable angle.
- first and second emitted infrared light rays E1 and E2 can also have any suitable frequency.
- first emitted infrared light ray E1 may have a first frequency
- second emitted infrared light ray E2 may have a second frequency.
- the first and second frequencies may be about equal to each other or may be substantially different from each other such that first and second reflected infrared light rays R1 and R2 are distinguishable or discernible by frequency.
- Controller 240 may include a memory and one or more microprocessors, CPUs or the like, such as general or special purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with operation of ice making system 200 .
- the memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH.
- the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory.
- the memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor.
- controller 240 may be constructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog and/or digital logic circuitry (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software.
- I/O Input/output
- signals may be routed between controller 240 and various operational components of ice making system 200 , e.g., via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.
- FIG. 8 illustrates a method 400 for determining an ice level within an ice bucket of a refrigerator appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.
- Method 400 can be used with or in any suitable refrigerator appliance or ice making system.
- method 400 may be used in or with refrigerator appliance 100 ( FIG. 1 ) and/or ice making system 200 ( FIG. 3 ).
- controller 240 of ice making system 200 may be programmed or configured to implement method 400 .
- a level of ice cubes 250 within storage volume 212 of ice bucket 210 can be determined or detected accurately and/or precisely.
- a ray of infrared light is directed into storage volume 212 of ice bucket 210 .
- controller 240 can operate or work infrared light emitter 232 of ice cube level sensing assembly 230 in order to direct first emitted infrared light ray E1 towards top portion 260 of storage volume 212 and/or second emitted infrared light ray E2 towards middle portion 266 or bottom portion 264 of storage volume 212 at step 410 .
- controller 240 determines or establishes whether a ray of reflected infrared light has been received from storage volume 212 of ice bucket 210 .
- controller 240 can receive a signal from infrared light receiver 234 of ice cube level sensing assembly 230 if first reflected infrared light ray R1 and/or second reflected infrared light ray R1 received or detected by infrared light receiver 234 at step 420 , e.g., if ice cubes 250 fill storage volume 212 above a predetermined height in storage volume 212 .
- ice bucket 210 is in an empty configuration such that storage volume 212 of ice bucket 210 has no ice cubes therein.
- storage volume 212 of ice bucket 210 has ice cubes 250 positioned therein.
- ice bucket 210 is in a bottom fill configuration such that ice cubes 250 are positioned at or in only bottom portion 262 of storage volume 212 .
- ice bucket 210 is in a middle fill configuration such that ice cubes 250 are positioned at or in both bottom portion 262 and middle portion 264 of storage volume 212 .
- ice bucket 210 is in a top fill configuration such that ice cubes 250 are positioned at or in all of bottom portion 262 , middle portion 264 and top portion 262 of storage volume 212 .
- controller 240 when ice bucket 210 is in the empty configuration or the first fill configuration, controller 240 will not receive the signal from infrared light receiver 234 at step 420 , e.g., because first and second emitted infrared light rays E1 and E2 are not reflected by ice cubes within storage volume 212 back towards ice cube level sensing assembly 230 . Thus, controller 240 can determine that ice bucket 210 is not full of ice cubes 250 and operate ice maker 220 to generate additional ice cubes 250 at step 440 .
- controller 240 when ice bucket 210 is in the top fill configuration, controller 240 will receive the signal from infrared light receiver 234 at step 420 , e.g., because first and second emitted infrared light rays E1 and E2 are reflected by ice cubes 250 within storage volume 212 back towards ice cube level sensing assembly 230 . Thus, controller 240 can determine that ice bucket 210 is full of ice cubes 250 and deactivate ice maker 220 at step 430 to avoid overfilling ice bucket 210 .
- controller 240 will receive the signal from infrared light receiver 234 , e.g., because second emitted infrared light ray E2 is reflected by ice cubes 250 within storage volume 212 back towards ice cube level sensing assembly 230 . However, first emitted infrared light ray E1 is not reflected by ice cubes 250 within storage volume 212 back towards ice cube level sensing assembly 230 .
- controller 240 can determine that ice bucket 210 is sufficiently full of ice cubes 250 and deactivate ice maker 220 to avoid overfilling ice bucket 210 at step 430 , or controller 240 can operate ice maker 220 to generate additional ice cubes 250 at step 440 when ice bucket 210 is in the middle fill configuration depending upon the desired configuration or setup of ice making system 200 .
- FIG. 7 provides a schematic view of an ice making system 300 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.
- Ice making system 300 can be used with or in any suitable refrigerator appliance.
- ice making system 300 may be used in or with refrigerator appliance 100 ( FIG. 1 ).
- Ice making system 300 is similar to ice making system 200 ( FIG. 3 ) and includes similar components and features and may be operated in a similar manner.
- method 400 may be implemented by a controller 340 of ice making system 300 .
- ice making system 300 includes an ice bucket 310 that defines a storage volume 312 .
- An ice cube level sensing assembly 330 includes at least one infrared light emitter 332 and at least one infrared light receiver 334 .
- Ice cube level sensing assembly 330 is positioned, e.g., directly, above storage volume 312 of ice bucket 310 along the vertical direction V.
- infrared light emitter 332 is positioned or oriented for directing infrared light (shown with arrow E) downwardly along the vertical direction V into storage volume 312 of ice bucket 310 and towards ice cubes 350 within storage volume 312 of ice bucket 310 .
- ice cube level sensing assembly 330 may be positioned at or adjacent (e.g., mounted to) an ice maker 320 or ice making system 300 . Ice cube level sensing assembly 330 may also be mounted to ice bucket 310 .
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Production, Working, Storing, Or Distribution Of Ice (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present subject matter relates generally to ice buckets for refrigerator appliances and systems for determining or measuring an ice level within such ice buckets.
- Certain refrigerator appliances include an icemaker. The icemaker receives liquid water and freezes such liquid water to generate ice cubes. The ice cubes are generally directed to an ice bucket where the ice cubes are stored prior to consumption. To maintain a sufficient supply of ice cubes in the ice bucket, the icemaker can initiate an ice making cycle to replenish a diminished ice cube supply. For example, certain icemakers include a feeler arm that determines when an ice cube level in the ice bucket drops below a certain height. The icemaker initiates the ice making cycle when the ice cube level drops below the height.
- Feeler arms are generally positioned at a top portion of the ice bucket such that the feeler arm can rotate over the ice bucket and impact ice cubes when the ice bucket is full. Feeler arms can operate reliably to determine the ice level within the ice bucket. However, feeler arms can occupy a significant volume above the ice bucket and limit an ice storage capacity of the ice bucket.
- Accordingly, an ice making system with features for determining an ice level within an ice bucket of the ice making system while occupying a small volume of space would be useful. In addition, an ice making system with features for determining an ice level within an ice bucket of the ice making system while not significantly limiting a size of the ice bucket would be useful.
- The present subject matter provides an ice making system for a refrigerator appliance. The ice making system includes an ice maker, an ice bucket and an ice cube level sensing assembly. The ice cube level sensing assembly includes an infrared light emitter and an infrared light receiver. The infrared light emitter directs infrared light into a storage volume of the ice bucket, and the infrared light receiver receives infrared light from the infrared light emitter reflected by ice cubes within the storage volume of the ice bucket. Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.
- In a first exemplary embodiment, an ice making system for a refrigerator appliance is provided. The ice making system includes an ice maker configured for generating ice cubes. An ice bucket defines a storage volume. The storage volume of the ice bucket is positioned for receiving the ice cubes from the ice maker. An ice cube level sensing assembly includes an infrared light emitter and an infrared light receiver. The infrared light emitter is positioned adjacent the ice bucket. The infrared light emitter is positioned for directing infrared light into the storage volume of the ice bucket. The infrared light receiver is positioned adjacent the infrared light emitter. The infrared light receiver is positioned such that the infrared light receiver receives infrared light from the infrared light emitter reflected by the ice cubes in the storage volume of the ice bucket.
- In a second exemplary embodiment, an ice making system for a refrigerator appliance is provided. The ice making system includes an ice maker configured for generating ice cubes and an ice bucket. The ice bucket defines a storage volume. The storage volume of the ice bucket is positioned for receiving the ice cubes from the ice maker. An ice cube level sensing assembly includes an infrared light emitter and an infrared light receiver. The infrared light emitter is positioned proximate the ice bucket. The infrared light emitter is oriented such that the infrared light emitter is configured for directing infrared light into the storage volume of the ice bucket. The infrared light receiver is positioned proximate the infrared light emitter. The infrared light receiver is oriented such that the infrared light receiver is configured for receiving infrared light from the infrared light emitter reflected by the ice cubes in the storage volume of the ice bucket.
- In a third exemplary embodiment, a method for determining an ice level within an ice bucket of a refrigerator appliance is provided. The method includes directing a ray of infrared light into a storage volume of the ice bucket and receiving a ray of reflected infrared light from the storage volume of the ice bucket if ice within the storage volume is positioned above a predetermined height in the storage volume.
- These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
- A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.
-
FIG. 1 provides a front, elevation view of a refrigerator appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter -
FIG. 2 provides a front, elevation view of the exemplary refrigerator appliance ofFIG. 1 with doors of the exemplary refrigerator appliance shown in an open position to reveal fresh food chamber of the exemplary refrigerator appliance. -
FIGS. 3 , 4, 5 and 6 provide schematic views of an ice making system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter with various amounts of ice positioned within an ice bucket of the exemplary ice making system. -
FIG. 7 provides a schematic view of an ice making system according to another exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. -
FIG. 8 illustrates a method for determining an ice level within an ice bucket of a refrigerator appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. - Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
-
FIG. 1 provides a front, elevation view of arefrigerator appliance 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.FIG. 2 provides a front, elevation view ofrefrigerator appliance 100 withrefrigerator doors refrigerator appliance 100 shown in an open position to reveal afresh food chamber 122 ofrefrigerator appliance 100.Refrigerator appliance 100 defines a vertical direction V and a lateral direction L. The vertical direction V and lateral direction L are mutually perpendicular and form an orthogonal direction system.Refrigerator appliance 100 extends between an upper portion 101 and a lower portion 102 along the vertical directionV. Refrigerator appliance 100 also extends between a first side portion 105 and a second side portion 106 along the lateral direction L. -
Refrigerator appliance 100 includes a cabinet orhousing 120 that defines chilled chambers for receipt of food items for storage. In particular,refrigerator appliance 100 definesfresh food chamber 122 at upper portion 101 ofrefrigerator appliance 100 and afreezer chamber 124 arranged belowfresh food chamber 122 on the vertical direction V, e.g., at lower portion 102 ofrefrigerator appliance 100. As such,refrigerator appliance 100 is generally referred to as a bottom mount refrigerator appliance. However, using the teachings disclosed herein, one of skill in the art will understand that the present subject matter may be used with other types of refrigerator appliances (e.g., side-by-side style or top mount style) or a freezer appliance as well. Consequently, the description set forth herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the present subject matter to any particular chilled chamber arrangement or configuration. -
Refrigerator doors housing 120 for accessingfresh food compartment 122. In particular,refrigerator doors housing 120 at an opening 121 that permits access tofresh food chamber 122. Afreezer door 130 is arranged belowrefrigerator doors freezer chamber 124.Freezer door 130 is coupled to a freezer drawer (not shown) slidably mounted withinfreezer chamber 124. -
Refrigerator appliance 100 also includes a dispensingassembly 110 for dispensing liquid water and/or ice.Dispensing assembly 110 includes adispenser 114 positioned on or mounted to an exterior portion ofrefrigerator appliance 100, e.g., onrefrigerator door 126.Dispenser 114 includes a dischargingoutlet 134 for accessing ice and liquid water. Anactuating mechanism 132, shown as a paddle, is mounted below dischargingoutlet 134 for operatingdispenser 114. In alternative exemplary embodiments, any suitable actuating mechanism may be used to operatedispenser 114. For example,dispenser 114 can include a sensor (such as an ultrasonic sensor) or a button rather than the paddle. Auser interface panel 136 is provided for controlling the mode of operation. For example,user interface panel 136 can include user inputs, such as a water dispensing button (not labeled) and an ice-dispensing button (not labeled), for selecting a desired mode of operation such as crushed or non-crushed ice. - Discharging
outlet 134 andactuating mechanism 132 are an external part ofdispenser 114 and are mounted in adispenser recess 138.Dispenser recess 138 is positioned at a predetermined elevation convenient for a user to access ice or water and enabling the user to access ice without the need to bend-over and without the need to accessfreezer chamber 124. In the exemplary embodiment,dispenser recess 138 is positioned at a level that approximates the chest level of a user. - Turning now to
FIG. 2 , certain components of dispensingassembly 110 are illustrated.Dispensing assembly 110 includes aninsulated housing 142 mounted withinfresh food chamber 122. Due to the insulation which encloses insulatedhousing 142, the temperature withininsulated housing 142 can be maintained at levels different from the ambient temperature in the surroundingfresh food chamber 122. -
Insulated housing 142 is constructed and arranged to operate at a temperature that facilitates producing and storing ice. More particularly,insulated housing 142 contains an ice maker for creating ice and feeding the same to anice bucket 160 that is mounted onrefrigerator door 126. As illustrated inFIG. 2 ,ice bucket 160 is placed at a vertical position onrefrigerator door 126 that will allow for the receipt of ice from adischarge opening 162 located along abottom edge 164 ofinsulated housing 142. Asrefrigerator door 126 is closed or opened,ice bucket 160 is moved in and out of position underinsulated housing 142. In alternative exemplary embodiments,insulated housing 142 and the ice maker located therein can be mounted at any other suitable location inrefrigerator appliance 100, such as onrefrigerator door 126. -
FIGS. 3 , 4, 5 and 6 provide schematic views of anice making system 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter with various amounts ofice cubes 250 positioned within anice bucket 210 ofice making system 200.Ice making system 200 can be used with or in any suitable refrigerator appliance. For example,ice making system 200 may be used in or with refrigerator appliance 100 (FIG. 1 ). As discussed in greater detail below, an ice cubelevel sensing assembly 230 ofice making system 200 is configured for determining or detecting a height or level ofice cubes 250 withinice bucket 210. Knowledge of the height ofice cubes 250 withinice bucket 210 can assist with proper operation of anice maker 220 ofice making system 200. -
Ice making system 200 includes anice bucket 210 and anice maker 220.Ice maker 220 is positioned aboveice bucket 210, e.g., along the vertical directionV. Ice maker 220 is configured or arranged for generatingice cubes 250. For example,ice maker 220 can receive liquid water, and such liquid water can freeze withinice maker 220 to generate or formice cubes 250. -
Ice bucket 210 defines astorage volume 212. For example, abottom wall 214 and asidewall 216 ofice bucket 210 can definestorage volume 212 ofice bucket 210 such thatice cubes 250 are contained or supported withinstorage volume 212 bybottom wall 214 andsidewall 216 ofice bucket 210.Storage volume 212 ofice bucket 210 is positioned for receivingice cubes 250 fromice maker 220. Thus, as shown inFIG. 3 ,storage volume 212 ofice bucket 210 is positioned, e.g., directly, belowice maker 220 along the vertical direction V such thatice cubes 250 generated byice maker 220 drop downwardly along the vertical direction V fromice maker 220 intostorage volume 212. In alternative exemplary embodiments,ice cubes 250 can be directed intostorage volume 212 ofice bucket 210 using any suitable method or mechanism, such as a conduit or auger. -
Storage volume 212 ofice bucket 210 extends between atop portion 260 and abottom portion 262, e.g., along the vertical direction V. Thus, top andbottom portions storage volume 212 are spaced apart from each other, e.g., along the vertical direction V. Amiddle portion 264 ofstorage volume 212 is positioned between top andbottom portions storage volume 212, e.g., along the vertical directionV. Storage volume 212 also extends between afirst side portion 266 and asecond side portion 268, e.g., along the lateral direction L. Thus, first andsecond side portions storage volume 212 are spaced apart from each other, e.g., along the lateral direction L. - Ice cube
level sensing assembly 230 is positioned at or adjacenttop portion 260 ofice bucket 210. Ice cubelevel sensing assembly 230 is also positioned at or adjacentsecond side portion 268 ofice bucket 210. Ice cubelevel sensing assembly 230 includes at least one infrared light emitter 232 (e.g., a first infrared light emitter and a second infrared light emitter) and at least one infrared light receiver 234 (e.g., a first infrared light receiver and a second infrared light receiver). Infraredlight emitter 232 can be any suitable infrared light source or emitter. For example,infrared light emitter 232 may be an infrared light emitting diode. Infraredlight receiver 234 can be any suitable infrared light detector or receiver. For example, infraredlight receiver 234 may be an infrared phototransistor. Infraredlight emitter 232 and infraredlight receiver 234 are positioned proximate or adjacent each other. Thus,infrared light emitter 232 and infraredlight receiver 234 are both positioned at or adjacenttop portion 260 andsecond side portion 268 ofice bucket 210. - Infrared
light emitter 232 is positioned or oriented for directing infrared light intostorage volume 212 ofice bucket 210. Thus, as may be seen inFIG. 3 ,infrared light emitter 232, e.g., selectively, directs rays of infrared light (shown with arrows labeled E1 and E2) intostorage volume 212 ofice bin 210. In particular,infrared light emitter 232 may be positioned or oriented for directing emitted infrared light rays E1 and E2 towardsfirst side portion 266 ofice bucket 210, e.g., fromsecond side portion 268 ofice bucket 210. Emitted infrared light rays E1 and E2 can assist with determining or detecting the level ofice cubes 250 instorage volume 212 ofice bucket 210 as discussed in greater detail below. - Infrared
light receiver 234 is positioned or oriented for receiving infrared light fromstorage volume 212 ofice bucket 210. Thus, as may be seen inFIG. 6 , infraredlight receiver 234 receives or detects rays of reflected infrared light (shown with arrows labeled R1 and R2) fromstorage volume 212 ofice bin 210. In particular, infraredlight receiver 234 is positioned or oriented such that infraredlight receiver 234 receives or detects infrared light frominfrared light emitter 232 reflected byice cubes 250 instorage volume 212 ofice bucket 210. Infraredlight receiver 234 may be positioned or oriented for receiving or detecting reflected infrared light rays R1 and R2 atsecond side portion 268 ofice bucket 210. - As may be seen in
FIG. 3 , ice cubelevel sensing assembly 230 directs first emitted infrared light ray E1 in a first direction and second emitted infrared light ray E2 in a second, different direction. In particular, ice cubelevel sensing assembly 230 may direct first emitted infrared light ray E1 towardstop portion 260 ofstorage volume 212 and second emitted infrared light ray E2 towardsmiddle portion 266 ofbottom portion 264 ofstorage volume 212. The first and second emitted infrared light rays E1 and E2 define an angle α therebetween. The angle α can be any suitable angle. For example, the angle α may be greater than about zero degrees and less than about ninety degrees or greater than about fifteen degrees and less than about seventy-five degrees. The first and second emitted infrared light rays E1 and E2 can also have any suitable frequency. For example, first emitted infrared light ray E1 may have a first frequency and second emitted infrared light ray E2 may have a second frequency. The first and second frequencies may be about equal to each other or may be substantially different from each other such that first and second reflected infrared light rays R1 and R2 are distinguishable or discernible by frequency. - Operation of the
ice making system 200 can be regulated by a controller 240 (shown schematically inFIGS. 3 , 4, 5 and 6) that is operatively coupled to various components ofice making system 200.Controller 240 may include a memory and one or more microprocessors, CPUs or the like, such as general or special purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with operation ofice making system 200. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively,controller 240 may be constructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog and/or digital logic circuitry (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software. Input/output (“I/O”) signals may be routed betweencontroller 240 and various operational components ofice making system 200, e.g., via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses. -
FIG. 8 illustrates amethod 400 for determining an ice level within an ice bucket of a refrigerator appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.Method 400 can be used with or in any suitable refrigerator appliance or ice making system. For example,method 400 may be used in or with refrigerator appliance 100 (FIG. 1 ) and/or ice making system 200 (FIG. 3 ). In particular,controller 240 ofice making system 200 may be programmed or configured to implementmethod 400. Utilizingmethod 400, a level ofice cubes 250 withinstorage volume 212 ofice bucket 210 can be determined or detected accurately and/or precisely. - At
step 410, a ray of infrared light is directed intostorage volume 212 ofice bucket 210. For example, as may be seen inFIGS. 3 and 6 ,controller 240 can operate or workinfrared light emitter 232 of ice cubelevel sensing assembly 230 in order to direct first emitted infrared light ray E1 towardstop portion 260 ofstorage volume 212 and/or second emitted infrared light ray E2 towardsmiddle portion 266 orbottom portion 264 ofstorage volume 212 atstep 410. - At
step 420,controller 240 determines or establishes whether a ray of reflected infrared light has been received fromstorage volume 212 ofice bucket 210. For example, as may be seen inFIG. 6 ,controller 240 can receive a signal from infraredlight receiver 234 of ice cubelevel sensing assembly 230 if first reflected infrared light ray R1 and/or second reflected infrared light ray R1 received or detected by infraredlight receiver 234 atstep 420, e.g., ifice cubes 250fill storage volume 212 above a predetermined height instorage volume 212. - As may be seen in
FIG. 3 ,ice bucket 210 is in an empty configuration such thatstorage volume 212 ofice bucket 210 has no ice cubes therein. Conversely, inFIGS. 4 , 5 and 6,storage volume 212 ofice bucket 210 hasice cubes 250 positioned therein. In particular, inFIG. 4 ,ice bucket 210 is in a bottom fill configuration such thatice cubes 250 are positioned at or inonly bottom portion 262 ofstorage volume 212. InFIG. 5 ,ice bucket 210 is in a middle fill configuration such thatice cubes 250 are positioned at or in bothbottom portion 262 andmiddle portion 264 ofstorage volume 212. InFIG. 6 ,ice bucket 210 is in a top fill configuration such thatice cubes 250 are positioned at or in all ofbottom portion 262,middle portion 264 andtop portion 262 ofstorage volume 212. - As may be seen in
FIGS. 3 and 4 , whenice bucket 210 is in the empty configuration or the first fill configuration,controller 240 will not receive the signal from infraredlight receiver 234 atstep 420, e.g., because first and second emitted infrared light rays E1 and E2 are not reflected by ice cubes withinstorage volume 212 back towards ice cubelevel sensing assembly 230. Thus,controller 240 can determine thatice bucket 210 is not full ofice cubes 250 and operateice maker 220 to generateadditional ice cubes 250 atstep 440. - As may be seen in
FIG. 6 , whenice bucket 210 is in the top fill configuration,controller 240 will receive the signal from infraredlight receiver 234 atstep 420, e.g., because first and second emitted infrared light rays E1 and E2 are reflected byice cubes 250 withinstorage volume 212 back towards ice cubelevel sensing assembly 230. Thus,controller 240 can determine thatice bucket 210 is full ofice cubes 250 and deactivateice maker 220 atstep 430 to avoid overfillingice bucket 210. - As may be seen in
FIG. 5 , whenice bucket 210 is in the middle fill configuration,controller 240 will receive the signal from infraredlight receiver 234, e.g., because second emitted infrared light ray E2 is reflected byice cubes 250 withinstorage volume 212 back towards ice cubelevel sensing assembly 230. However, first emitted infrared light ray E1 is not reflected byice cubes 250 withinstorage volume 212 back towards ice cubelevel sensing assembly 230. Thus,controller 240 can determine thatice bucket 210 is sufficiently full ofice cubes 250 and deactivateice maker 220 to avoid overfillingice bucket 210 atstep 430, orcontroller 240 can operateice maker 220 to generateadditional ice cubes 250 atstep 440 whenice bucket 210 is in the middle fill configuration depending upon the desired configuration or setup ofice making system 200. -
FIG. 7 provides a schematic view of anice making system 300 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.Ice making system 300 can be used with or in any suitable refrigerator appliance. For example,ice making system 300 may be used in or with refrigerator appliance 100 (FIG. 1 ).Ice making system 300 is similar to ice making system 200 (FIG. 3 ) and includes similar components and features and may be operated in a similar manner. Thus,method 400 may be implemented by acontroller 340 ofice making system 300. - As may be seen in
FIG. 7 ,ice making system 300 includes anice bucket 310 that defines astorage volume 312. An ice cubelevel sensing assembly 330 includes at least oneinfrared light emitter 332 and at least oneinfrared light receiver 334. Ice cubelevel sensing assembly 330 is positioned, e.g., directly, abovestorage volume 312 ofice bucket 310 along the vertical direction V. Thus,infrared light emitter 332 is positioned or oriented for directing infrared light (shown with arrow E) downwardly along the vertical direction V intostorage volume 312 ofice bucket 310 and towardsice cubes 350 withinstorage volume 312 ofice bucket 310. In particular, ice cubelevel sensing assembly 330 may be positioned at or adjacent (e.g., mounted to) anice maker 320 orice making system 300. Ice cubelevel sensing assembly 330 may also be mounted toice bucket 310. - This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/071,935 US9243833B2 (en) | 2013-11-05 | 2013-11-05 | Ice making system for a refrigerator appliance and a method for determining an ice level within an ice bucket |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/071,935 US9243833B2 (en) | 2013-11-05 | 2013-11-05 | Ice making system for a refrigerator appliance and a method for determining an ice level within an ice bucket |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20150121942A1 true US20150121942A1 (en) | 2015-05-07 |
US9243833B2 US9243833B2 (en) | 2016-01-26 |
Family
ID=53005956
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/071,935 Active 2034-04-22 US9243833B2 (en) | 2013-11-05 | 2013-11-05 | Ice making system for a refrigerator appliance and a method for determining an ice level within an ice bucket |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US9243833B2 (en) |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20160195347A1 (en) * | 2013-08-13 | 2016-07-07 | New Technology Consultants (N.T.C.) | Device to control the functioning of a heat exchanger, heat exchanger comprising said device and corresponding control method based on the measurement of an electromagnetic field |
US20170030625A1 (en) * | 2015-07-28 | 2017-02-02 | General Electric Company | Systems and methods of icemaker control |
US20200173707A1 (en) * | 2018-12-03 | 2020-06-04 | Industria Tecnica Valenciana, S.A. | Stop sensor for an ice machine |
US10731908B2 (en) | 2017-04-26 | 2020-08-04 | Electrolux Home Products, Inc. | Refrigeration appliance with cold air supply for ice maker and ice level sensor |
CN114286920A (en) * | 2019-08-22 | 2022-04-05 | 青岛海尔电冰箱有限公司 | Distribution control system for refrigeration appliances |
CN114616431A (en) * | 2019-10-28 | 2022-06-10 | 海尔智家股份有限公司 | Sensor assembly for detecting ice level in ice making device |
US20220357089A1 (en) * | 2021-05-07 | 2022-11-10 | Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. | Method for enhancing ice capacity in an ice making appliance |
Families Citing this family (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN106679256B (en) * | 2016-12-21 | 2019-08-27 | 合肥华凌股份有限公司 | Ice machine and refrigerator with it |
US11913699B2 (en) | 2020-01-18 | 2024-02-27 | True Manufacturing Co., Inc. | Ice maker |
US11578905B2 (en) | 2020-01-18 | 2023-02-14 | True Manufacturing Co., Inc. | Ice maker, ice dispensing assembly, and method of deploying ice maker |
US11255589B2 (en) | 2020-01-18 | 2022-02-22 | True Manufacturing Co., Inc. | Ice maker |
US11602059B2 (en) | 2020-01-18 | 2023-03-07 | True Manufacturing Co., Inc. | Refrigeration appliance with detachable electronics module |
US11656017B2 (en) | 2020-01-18 | 2023-05-23 | True Manufacturing Co., Inc. | Ice maker |
US11802727B2 (en) | 2020-01-18 | 2023-10-31 | True Manufacturing Co., Inc. | Ice maker |
US11391500B2 (en) | 2020-01-18 | 2022-07-19 | True Manufacturing Co., Inc. | Ice maker |
US11519652B2 (en) | 2020-03-18 | 2022-12-06 | True Manufacturing Co., Inc. | Ice maker |
US11674731B2 (en) | 2021-01-13 | 2023-06-13 | True Manufacturing Co., Inc. | Ice maker |
US11686519B2 (en) | 2021-07-19 | 2023-06-27 | True Manufacturing Co., Inc. | Ice maker with pulsed fill routine |
Citations (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20050138951A1 (en) * | 2003-12-30 | 2005-06-30 | Hooker John K. | Method and apparatus for dispensing ice and water |
US20070063981A1 (en) * | 2005-09-16 | 2007-03-22 | Galyean Tinsley A Iii | System and method for providing an interactive interface |
US20090013708A1 (en) * | 2007-05-15 | 2009-01-15 | Electrolux Home Products, Inc. | Refrigeration appliance dispenser |
US20090211292A1 (en) * | 2008-02-25 | 2009-08-27 | Whirlpool Corporation | variable ice storage assembly and method of use |
US20090272130A1 (en) * | 2008-05-01 | 2009-11-05 | Kim Yong-Su | Ice detecting apparatus of ice maker for refrigerator and ice detecting method thereof |
US20090293510A1 (en) * | 2008-05-27 | 2009-12-03 | Kim Yong-Su | Ice detecting method and apparatus for a refrigerator |
US20100046793A1 (en) * | 2007-04-27 | 2010-02-25 | Whirlpool Corporation | Ice quality sensing system employing digital imaging |
US20100139299A1 (en) * | 2008-04-15 | 2010-06-10 | Dong-Hoon Lee | Refrigerator and full ice level sensing apparatus thereof |
US7779641B2 (en) * | 2006-12-29 | 2010-08-24 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Ice supplier |
US20110100039A1 (en) * | 2008-04-15 | 2011-05-05 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Ice-full state detecting apparatus and refrigerator having the same |
US20110138842A1 (en) * | 2009-12-14 | 2011-06-16 | Whirlpool Corporation | High capacity ice storage in a freezer compartment |
US20110214442A1 (en) * | 2010-03-08 | 2011-09-08 | Whirlpool Corporation | Door mounted ice level detection device |
US8424323B2 (en) * | 2009-11-13 | 2013-04-23 | General Electric Company | Ice level sensing system |
Family Cites Families (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6286324B1 (en) | 1998-12-28 | 2001-09-11 | Whirlpool Corporation | Ice level sensing system for an ice maker |
CN102778096B (en) | 2006-09-20 | 2015-03-25 | Lg电子株式会社 | Refrigerator |
KR101451658B1 (en) | 2008-04-15 | 2014-10-16 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Full ice detecting apparatus of ice maker for refrigerator |
-
2013
- 2013-11-05 US US14/071,935 patent/US9243833B2/en active Active
Patent Citations (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20050138951A1 (en) * | 2003-12-30 | 2005-06-30 | Hooker John K. | Method and apparatus for dispensing ice and water |
US20070063981A1 (en) * | 2005-09-16 | 2007-03-22 | Galyean Tinsley A Iii | System and method for providing an interactive interface |
US7779641B2 (en) * | 2006-12-29 | 2010-08-24 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Ice supplier |
US20100046793A1 (en) * | 2007-04-27 | 2010-02-25 | Whirlpool Corporation | Ice quality sensing system employing digital imaging |
US20090013708A1 (en) * | 2007-05-15 | 2009-01-15 | Electrolux Home Products, Inc. | Refrigeration appliance dispenser |
US20090211292A1 (en) * | 2008-02-25 | 2009-08-27 | Whirlpool Corporation | variable ice storage assembly and method of use |
US20100139299A1 (en) * | 2008-04-15 | 2010-06-10 | Dong-Hoon Lee | Refrigerator and full ice level sensing apparatus thereof |
US20110100039A1 (en) * | 2008-04-15 | 2011-05-05 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Ice-full state detecting apparatus and refrigerator having the same |
US20090272130A1 (en) * | 2008-05-01 | 2009-11-05 | Kim Yong-Su | Ice detecting apparatus of ice maker for refrigerator and ice detecting method thereof |
US20090293510A1 (en) * | 2008-05-27 | 2009-12-03 | Kim Yong-Su | Ice detecting method and apparatus for a refrigerator |
US8424323B2 (en) * | 2009-11-13 | 2013-04-23 | General Electric Company | Ice level sensing system |
US20110138842A1 (en) * | 2009-12-14 | 2011-06-16 | Whirlpool Corporation | High capacity ice storage in a freezer compartment |
US20110214442A1 (en) * | 2010-03-08 | 2011-09-08 | Whirlpool Corporation | Door mounted ice level detection device |
Cited By (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20160195347A1 (en) * | 2013-08-13 | 2016-07-07 | New Technology Consultants (N.T.C.) | Device to control the functioning of a heat exchanger, heat exchanger comprising said device and corresponding control method based on the measurement of an electromagnetic field |
US20170030625A1 (en) * | 2015-07-28 | 2017-02-02 | General Electric Company | Systems and methods of icemaker control |
US10731908B2 (en) | 2017-04-26 | 2020-08-04 | Electrolux Home Products, Inc. | Refrigeration appliance with cold air supply for ice maker and ice level sensor |
US20200173707A1 (en) * | 2018-12-03 | 2020-06-04 | Industria Tecnica Valenciana, S.A. | Stop sensor for an ice machine |
US10837691B2 (en) * | 2018-12-03 | 2020-11-17 | Itv Ice Makers, S.L. | Stop sensor for an ice machine |
CN114286920A (en) * | 2019-08-22 | 2022-04-05 | 青岛海尔电冰箱有限公司 | Distribution control system for refrigeration appliances |
US11339047B2 (en) * | 2019-08-22 | 2022-05-24 | Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. | Dispense control system for a refrigerator appliance |
CN114616431A (en) * | 2019-10-28 | 2022-06-10 | 海尔智家股份有限公司 | Sensor assembly for detecting ice level in ice making device |
US20220357089A1 (en) * | 2021-05-07 | 2022-11-10 | Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. | Method for enhancing ice capacity in an ice making appliance |
US11796239B2 (en) * | 2021-05-07 | 2023-10-24 | Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. | Method for enhancing ice capacity in an ice making appliance |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US9243833B2 (en) | 2016-01-26 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US9243833B2 (en) | Ice making system for a refrigerator appliance and a method for determining an ice level within an ice bucket | |
US8826683B2 (en) | Ice dispenser with crusher for a refrigerator appliance | |
US9733004B2 (en) | Refrigerator appliances | |
US8794023B2 (en) | Ice dispenser with crusher for a refrigerator appliance | |
US7743801B2 (en) | Method and system for dispensing ice and/or a liquid | |
KR101713327B1 (en) | Refirgerator | |
US8424323B2 (en) | Ice level sensing system | |
US9004115B2 (en) | Method and system for dispensing ice and/or a liquid | |
US10260790B2 (en) | Refrigerator appliance having an ice storage bin | |
US10663209B2 (en) | Refrigerator appliance and method with reduced freezer door opening force | |
KR20080026385A (en) | Refrigerator | |
US20130312872A1 (en) | Refrigerator appliance with features for assisted dispensing | |
US8935935B2 (en) | Methods for monitoring sensors of refrigerator appliances | |
WO2019242575A1 (en) | Refrigerator appliance and ice dispenser defining a liquid outlet | |
US20120291469A1 (en) | Refrigerator temperature control method and apparatus | |
KR102039484B1 (en) | Refrigerator and Control method thereof | |
US11629902B2 (en) | Refrigerator appliance having an ice storage bin | |
KR102407257B1 (en) | Ice maker including full ice sensing apparatus | |
KR20220035676A (en) | Ice making assembly and controlling method thereof | |
CN108613446A (en) | Refrigerator and its control method | |
US8984899B2 (en) | Refrigerator appliance with ice dispenser | |
US20240017269A1 (en) | Food disposer and operating method of the food disposer | |
CN113574336B (en) | Ice maker with spill-proof cover | |
KR20080052206A (en) | Refrigerator and control method thereof | |
KR20230030846A (en) | Refrigerator and controlling method for the same |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY, NEW YORK Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:YUN, SEOKKI;KIM, GEON HO;SHIN, DONG SOO;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:031545/0206 Effective date: 20131029 |
|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: HAIER US APPLIANCE SOLUTIONS, INC., DELAWARE Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY;REEL/FRAME:038970/0438 Effective date: 20160606 |
|
CC | Certificate of correction | ||
MAFP | Maintenance fee payment |
Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 4TH YEAR, LARGE ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M1551); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY Year of fee payment: 4 |
|
MAFP | Maintenance fee payment |
Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 8TH YEAR, LARGE ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M1552); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY Year of fee payment: 8 |